Russell Brand has described his first month as a Christian as "beautiful" and a "big change" in his life.
The comedian, 48, who is currently facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct which he vehemently denies, opened up about his spiritual journey to his followers on social media after being baptised last month. Although the actor is almost 50-years-old, he was baptised in the River Thames following several months of exploring Christianity last month. TV presenter and adventurer Bear Grylls assisted him during his baptism.
In a TikTok video, Brand shared that he was still learning a lot and had much more to learn, but so far, the journey had been "beautiful". He said in the now viral video: "I've been a Christian a month now, and it's been a big change."
Brand clarified that while he hadn't completely transformed as a person, he had embraced many new concepts which had brought about changes in him. He added that redemption wasn't about doing good deeds as if in a game show.
Russell got baptised last month (Instagram)Reflecting on the concept of repentance, he said it meant continually changing and acknowledging that he was in a "battle" with himself. However, he also believed he could receive mercy and love through Jesus.
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"Repentance, to repent, means that you have to continually change and acknowledge that I am in a battle against myself, that I need to surrender myself to an ever-present, internal and accessible Jesus, that mercy is something that's given to me, been granted to me, that I live with through love, not something that I can sort of win or achieve by doing good deeds," he explained.
Despite facing hardships, he revealed a sense of "inner illumination" now guides him when he's "in doubt" or feels like he's "being selfish or inconsiderate or putting myself first or not thinking about how I can be better to other people".
He expressed his admiration for the "simplicity" of the Christian faith and the concept of God's sacrifice, stating: "because that's the only sacrifice that could bring us home, that could give us the opportunity for redemption".
Brand also shared his personal spiritual practice, saying, "I like the idea, when I'm in prayer and in communion, just alone, that there is a figure available, wounded and coronated, available to me. In my failings and my failures and in my fallibility, there is strength."
Bear Grylls has supported Russell Brand over his conversion to Christianity (National Geographic for Disney/Ben Simms)Last month, Brand shared a lengthy statement via video in which he admitted he is adjusting to his new religious way of living - and says he expects to make ‘mistakes’. In his impassioned speech, Brand said: “As a person that has, in the past, taken many, many substances, and always been disappointed with their inability to deliver the kind of tranquility and peace and even transcendence that I always felt I’ve been looking for.
"Something occurred in the process of baptism that was incredible. Overwhelming. Literally overwhelming because I was under water. And it was the River Thames, at some points. So I felt changed. Transitioned.”
He then asked fellow believers to offer him their patience as he said: “This is new for me. I am learning. And I will make mistakes. This is my path now. And I already feel incredibly blessed, relieved, nourished, held. It’s been an incredible experience.” And he added: “I know I’m not expected to be perfect and I know that’s not something I’d be able to deliver. Those of you who have embraced me, I am so grateful.”
His conversion to Christianity has come months after a bombshell investigation spearheaded by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Time and Sunday Times saw multiple women step forward to accuse Brand of sexual assault. The Metropolitan Police later confirmed they were investigating allegations about the comedian and he was later questioned. Brand has always denied the allegations made against him.
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